Insecticidal compositions and methods

ABSTRACT

Substituted imidazole and substituted pyrazole compounds and compositions derived therefrom can be useful in controlling insect pests. Suitable imidazole compounds can be analogues of 2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazole, wherein the C-2 phenyl group bears at least one substitution, the C-4 and C-5 phenyl groups are optionally substituted, and N-1 is unsubstituted. Suitable pyrazole compounds can bear a 1,3,4-substitution pattern, with an optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted alkyl group being present at N-1, an optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl group being present at C-3, and a secondary amide group being present at C-4. These compounds and compositions derived therefrom can be administered to a plant, seed, soil or insect to control a variety of insect pests.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/256,867, filed on Nov. 18, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD

The present application generally relates to insect control and, more specifically, to compositions and methods employing substituted imidazole and substituted pyrazole compounds for use in controlling insect pests.

BACKGROUND

Insect pests can cause significant losses in agriculture, which can impact food production yields and result in increased costs to the consumer. Effective control of invertebrate pests can contribute to more efficient crop production.

Among the insect pests that are particularly undesirable are those that can significantly impact the yield of important row crops including, for example, corn, soybeans, cotton and certain other types of vegetables. Examples of insect pests that can have a destructive impact on these crops include, but are not limited to, fall armyworm, Western corn rootworm, diamondback moth, Western tarnished plantbug and soybean looper.

Ornamental plants or other types of plants not being cultivated as a food source can be similarly impacted by a range of insect pests. Different insect pests may impact these types of plants.

Insect pests can also represent a nuisance or health hazard to both humans and animals. Because of their proximity to insect-targeted agricultural products, agricultural workers can oftentimes be particularly affected. Mosquitoes are one of many examples of insect pests that can be a nuisance or health hazard to humans and animals.

Although products for controlling insect pests are commercially available, the need continues for new formulations that are more effective, less costly, environmentally safer, and/or exhibit new modes of action. Identifying new compounds that have improved activity against insect pests can be a driving factor in the search for formulations having improved insecticidal activity.

SUMMARY

Compounds that exhibit insecticidal activity are described herein. The compounds described herein may be used, for example, in the preparation of compositions and in accordance with methods for control of insect pests, as set forth in detail below. More particularly, compositions and methods employing substituted imidazole and substituted pyrazole compounds for use in controlling insect pests are described herein.

In some embodiments, methods of the present disclosure comprise administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising a compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof or a salt thereof

R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, haloalkyl and haloalkoxy. R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy and alkynoxy. At least one of R¹-R⁵ is not hydrogen. R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and alkyl. R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and optionally substituted acylphenyl.

Treatment compositions comprising the compound of Formula I, a tautometer thereof or a salt thereof are also described.

Treated seeds can be prepared by administering the compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof or a salt thereof to a seed, in which the treated seed comprises the compound of Formula I.

In some or other illustrative embodiments, methods of the present disclosure comprise administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising a compound of Formula II or a salt thereof

R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted alkyl. R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl. R¹² is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl and optionally substituted, fully saturated cycloalkyl. Z is C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond.

Treatment compositions comprising the compound of Formula II or a salt thereof are also described.

Treated seeds can be prepared by administering the compound of Formula II or a salt thereof to a seed, in which the treated seed comprises the compound of Formula II.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Not applicable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Compounds that exhibit insecticidal activity are described herein. The compounds described herein may be used, for example, in the preparation of compositions and in accordance with methods for control of insect pests, as set forth in detail below. More particularly, compositions and methods employing substituted imidazole and substituted pyrazole compounds for use in controlling insect pests are described herein.

As used herein, the term “insect pest” refers to any insect that infests a plant or a planting site, or that is a nuisance insect toward a human or an animal. More specific examples of insect pests are provided hereinbelow.

The present disclosure provides a number of compounds that have beneficial activity toward controlling insect pests. Substituted imidazole and substituted pyrazole compounds of the types discussed herein can be used for this purpose. These compounds can be used alone or in combination with one another for controlling insect pests. Depending upon the substituents present in the compounds, some insect pests can be targeted in preference to others.

In some embodiments, compounds suitable for controlling insect pests can be a compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof, or a salt thereof

R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, haloalkyl and haloalkoxy. R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy and alkynoxy. At least one of R¹-R⁵ is not hydrogen. R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and alkyl. R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and optionally substituted acylphenyl. R⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl.

In some or other embodiments, compounds suitable for controlling insect pests can be a compound of Formula II or a salt thereof.

R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted alkyl. R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl. R¹² is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl and optionally substituted, fully saturated cycloalkyl. Z is C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond.

As used herein, the term “tautomer” refers to any compound existing in at least two forms that readily interconvert, with a state of equilibrium being established between the at least two forms.

As used herein, the term “halogen” refers to any radical of fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to, by itself or as part of another group, both straight and branched chain radicals of up to ten carbons, which may be optionally independently substituted. Non-limiting examples of C₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and octyl groups. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the term “alkyl” refers to, by itself or as part of another group, a straight or branched chain radical comprising from one to six carbon atoms, or from one to three carbon atoms.

As used herein, the term “haloalkyl” refers to, by itself or as part of another group, an alkyl group substituted with at least one halogen. Non-limiting examples of haloalkyl groups include trifluoromethyl and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl.

As used herein, the term “alkoxy” refers to, by itself or as part of another group, an alkyl group appended to a parent molecular entity through an oxygen atom. Non-limiting examples of alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 2-propoxy, 1-butoxy, 2-butoxy, tert-butoxy, I-pentoxy, 2-pentoxy, 3-pentoxy, 1-hexoxy, 2-hexoxy, and 3-hexoxy.

As used herein, the term “thioalkyl” refers to the sulfur analogue of an alkoxy group, in which, by itself or as part of another group, an alkyl group is appended to a parent molecular entity through a sulfur atom.

As used herein, the term “haloalkoxy” refers to, by itself or as part of another group, an alkoxy group in which the appended alkyl group is further substituted with at least one halogen. Non-limiting examples of haloalkoxy groups include trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-dichloroethoxy, and 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to an alkyl group forming a closed ring comprising from 3 to 8 carbon atoms or from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which may be optionally substituted. Non-limiting examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl. The term “cycloalkyl” further refers to any of monocyclic, bicyclic and polycyclic carbon-containing rings.

As used herein, the term “optionally substituted” refers to a moiety that may be present as a pendant group attached to a carbon-containing ring or chain. In some embodiments, an optional substitution may be a pendant group comprising at least one heteroatom. As used herein, the term “heteroatom” refers to oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur or halogen atoms.

As used herein, the term “heterocycloalkyl” refers to a saturated or partially saturated monocyclic or bicyclic hydrocarbon containing one or more heteroatoms selected from O, S, and N, which replace one or more carbon atoms within the carbon-containing ring. A heterocycloalkyl group may be attached to a parent molecular entity via any of the carbon atoms or, if present, a nitrogen atom. Non-limiting examples of heterocycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, 4-membered rings, such as an azetidinyl, and oxetanyl; 5-membered rings, such as tetrahydrofuranyl, dioxolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinonyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, and pyrrolinyl; 6-membered rings, such as tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, dithianyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, and trithianyl; or 7-membered rings, such as a diazepanyl ring, for example.

As used herein, the term “aryl” refers to, by itself or as part of another group, a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic group containing from 6 to 14 carbon atoms. Common aryl groups include C₆-C₁₄ aryl, particularly C₆-C₁₀ aryl. Non-limiting examples of C₆-C₁₄ aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl, indenyl, azulenyl, biphenyl, biphenylenyl and fluorenyl groups.

As used herein, the term “heteroaryl” refers to, by itself or as part of another group, a cyclic moiety having 5 to 14 ring atoms and 6, 10 or 14 π electrons shared in a cyclic array, in which 1, 2 or 3 of the ring atoms are oxygen, nitrogen, and/or sulfur atoms and the remaining ring atoms are carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of heteroaryl groups include thienyl (thiophenyl), benzo[b]thienyl, naphtho[2,3-b]thienyl, thianthrenyl, furyl (furanyl), pyranyl, isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxanthinyl, pyrrolyl, including without limitation 2H-pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl (pyridinyl), including without limitation 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, and 4-pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolyl, indazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, β-carbolinyl, phenanthridinyl, acrindinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazinyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, 1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, 7-aminoisocoumarin, pyrido[1,2-α]pyrimidin-4-one, pyrazolo[1,5-α]pyrimidinyl, including without limitation pyrazolo[1,5-α]pyrimidin-3-yl, 1,2-benzoisoxazol-3-yl, benzimidazolyl, 2-oxindolyl and 2-oxobenzimidazolyl. In instances where a heteroaryl group contains a nitrogen atom in a ring, the nitrogen atom may optionally be in the form of an N-oxide, such as pyridyl N-oxide, pyrazinyl N-oxide or pyrimidinyl N-oxide, for example.

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” refers to a straight- or branched-chain alkyl group in which at least one carbon-carbon double bond has replaced a carbon-carbon single bond. The at least one carbon-carbon double bond can be in any location and in either the E or Z configuration. Non-limiting examples of alkenyl radicals include ethenyl, E- and Z-propenyl, 2-propenyl (allyl), E- and Z-butenyl, E- and Z-isobutenyl, E- and Z-pentenyl, E- and Z-hexenyl, E,E-, E,Z-, Z,E-, Z,Z-hexadienyl, and the like.

As used herein, the term “alkynyl” refers to a straight- or branched-chain alkyl group in which at least one carbon-carbon triple bond has replaced a carbon-carbon single bond. Non-limiting examples of alkynyl groups include CH₂—CH≡CH (propargyl), CH₂—C≡C—CH₃, and CH₂—C≡C—CH(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₃

As used herein, the terms “alkenyloxy” and “alkynyloxy” refer to an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group, respectively, which are appended to a parent molecular entity through an oxygen atom.

As used herein, the term “acylphenyl” refers to a phenyl group appended to a parent molecular entity through a carbonyl moiety.

As one having ordinary skill in the art will understand, N-unsubstituted imidazole compounds are tautomeric and interconvert between the 1H and 3H forms. The equilibrium distribution between the 1H and the 3H forms can depend upon a number of factors including, for example, pH, temperature and the type of substituents that are present on the imidazole group. Accordingly, it is to be understood that any reference herein to a compound having the structure of Formula I also equivalently refers to the tautomeric 3H structure of Formula I′, or an equilibrium mixture of compounds having the structures of Formulas I and I′.

Compounds having the structure of Formula II are believed to be substantially non-tautomeric.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, and alkynyloxy. In some or other embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, and alkynyloxy.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R¹, R² and R³ are each alkyl, and in more particular embodiments, R¹, R² and R³ are each methyl. In still more particular embodiments, R¹, R² and R³ are each methyl and R⁴-R⁹ are each hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R¹ and R² are each alkyl, and in more particular embodiments, R¹ and R² are each methyl.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R¹ and R³ are each halogen, or R¹ and R² are each halogen. In more particular embodiments, R¹ and R³ are each chlorine, or R¹ is chlorine and R³ is fluorine, or R¹ and R² are each chlorine. In still more particular embodiments, R¹ and R³ are each chlorine, R⁶ and R⁷ are each methyl, and R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁸ and R⁹ are each hydrogen; or R¹ is chlorine, R³ is fluorine, R⁶ and R⁷ are each methyl, and R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁸ and R⁹ are each hydrogen; or R¹ and R² are each chlorine, R⁶ is chlorine, and R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are each hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which one or both of R⁴ and R⁵ is/are halogen, and in more particular embodiments, R⁴ and/or R⁵ is chlorine or fluorine. In still more particular embodiments, R⁴ is fluorine, R⁹ is acylphenyl or acyl(4-fluorophenyl), and R¹-R³ and R¹-R⁸ are hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which at least one of R¹ and R² is alkoxy, and in more particular embodiments R¹ and R² are each methoxy, or R¹ is ethoxy, or R² is methoxy. In still more particular embodiments, R¹ and R² are each methoxy, and R³-R⁹ are hydrogen; or R¹ is ethoxy and R²-R⁹ are hydrogen; or R² is methoxy, R⁴ and R⁵ are each methoxy, and R¹, R³ and R⁶-R⁹ are hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R¹ is alkynyloxy, and in more specific embodiments, R¹ is propargyloxy. In still more particular embodiments, R¹ is propargyloxy and R²-R⁹ are hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R² is thioalkyl, and in more specific embodiments, R² is thiomethyl. In still more specific embodiments, R² is thiomethyl, R¹ is methyl, and R¹, R³-R⁷, and R⁹ are hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R¹ is hydrogen, or R² is hydrogen, or R³ is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R² and R³ are each hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R⁴ and R⁵ are alkoxy, and in more specific embodiments, R⁴ and R⁵ are methoxy. In other embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R¹, R² and R⁴ are alkoxy, and in more specific embodiments, R¹, R² and R⁴ are methoxy.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R⁶ and R⁷ are alkyl, and in more specific embodiments R⁶ and R⁷ are each methyl. In still more specific embodiments, R⁶ and R⁷ are each methyl and R⁸ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R⁶ is halogen and R⁷ is hydrogen, and in more specific embodiments, R⁶ is chlorine and R⁷ is hydrogen. In still more specific embodiments, R⁶ is chlorine and R⁷ and R⁸ are hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R⁹ is alkyl, and in more specific embodiments, R⁹ is methyl.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I, in which R⁹ is optionally substituted acylphenyl, and in more specific embodiments, R⁹ is acylphenyl or acyl(4-fluorophenyl).

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which R¹⁰ is optionally substituted aryl, and in more specific embodiments, R¹⁰ is optionally substituted phenyl, or R¹⁰ is tolyl. In more specific embodiments, R¹⁰ is p-tolyl. In still more specific embodiments, R¹⁰ is p-tolyl, R¹¹ is phenyl, R¹² is allyl, and Z is a bond; or R¹⁰ is phenyl, R¹¹ is 2-thienyl, R¹² is 2-methylcyclohexyl, and Z is a bond.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which R¹⁰ is alkyl or optionally substituted alkyl, and in more specific embodiments, R¹⁰ is methyl. In still more specific embodiments, R¹⁰ is methyl and R¹¹ is 2-chlorophenyl. In yet still more specific embodiments, R¹⁰ is methyl, R¹¹ is 2-chlorophenyl, R¹² is ethoxy, and Z is C₂ alkyl; or R¹⁰ is methyl, R¹¹ is 2-chlorophenyl, R¹² is tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, and Z is C₂ alkyl; or R¹¹ is methyl, R¹¹ is 2-chlorophenyl, R¹² is tetrahydrothiopyran-4-yl, and Z is a bond.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which R¹¹ is optionally substituted aryl, and in more particular embodiments R¹¹ is phenyl or halophenyl. In more specific embodiments, R¹¹ is chlorophenyl, and in yet still more specific embodiments, R¹¹ is 2-chlorophenyl.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which R¹¹ is optionally substituted heteroaryl, and in more specific embodiments R¹¹ is thienyl. In still more specific embodiments, R¹¹ is 2-thienyl.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which R¹² is optionally substituted, fully saturated cycloalkyl, and in more specific embodiments, R¹² is optionally substituted, fully saturated C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl. In still more specific embodiments, R¹² is 2-methylcyclohexyl, and in yet still more specific embodiments, R¹² is 2-methylcyclohexyl and Z is a bond.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which R¹² is optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, and in more specific embodiments, R¹² is tetrahydrofuranyl or tetrahydrothiopyranyl. In still more specific embodiments, R¹² is tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, and Z is C₂ alkyl; or R¹² is tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl and Z is a bond.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which R¹² is alkenyl, and in more specific embodiments, R¹² is allyl. In still more specific embodiments, R¹² is allyl and Z is a bond.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which R¹² is alkoxy, and in more specific embodiments, R¹² is ethoxy. In still more specific embodiments, R¹² is ethoxy and Z is C₂ alkyl.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II, in which Z is C₁-C₆ alkyl, and in some embodiments, Z is C₁-C₃ alkyl. In more specific embodiments, Z is a straight-chain, saturated alkylene moiety, specifically a divalent methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, or hexylene moiety.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a compound or salt of Formula II in which Z is a bond. As used herein, the term “bond” refers to a direct attachment between the amide nitrogen atom of Formula II and the moiety comprising R¹². That is, in embodiments, wherein a bond exists between the amide nitrogen atom and R¹², there is/are no intervening bridging atom(s).

In non-limiting embodiments, examples of specific compounds meeting the structural requirements of Formulas I and II that can be suitable for use in the various embodiments of the present disclosure include:

Formula I-i: 2-mesityl-4,5-diphenyl-H-imidazole

Formula I-ii: 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazole

Formula I-iii: 2-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-4-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazole

Formula I-iv: 2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole

Formula I-v: 2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole

Formula I-vi: 4,5-diphenyl-2-(2-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl)-1H-imidazole

Formula I-vii: 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-1H-imidazole

Formula I-vi ii: 4,5-diphenyl-2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole

Formula I-ix: 2-(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-4,5-di-p-tolyl-1H-imidazole

Formula I-x: (4-fluorophenyl)(4-(2-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)phenyl)methanone

Formula II-i: N-allyl-3-phenyl-1-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide

Formula II-ii: N-(2-methylcyclohexyl)-1-phenyl-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide

Formula II-iii: 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide

Formula II-iv: 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-N-(2-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-pyrazole 4-carboxamide, and

Formula II-v: 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-N-(tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide

Also presented herein are compositions comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II or a mixture thereof for administration to a plant, a seed, soil or an insect to control insect pests. Methods employing a composition containing an effective amount of such compounds are also expressly described herein. It is to be recognized that an effective amount of a compound of Formula I and/or Formula II may differ depending upon how the compositions are being applied. For example, applying the compositions to a plant may entail a different effective amount than when the compositions are applied directly to an insect. In another example, effective amounts of a compound of Formula I or Formula II may vary for different types of insects. Furthermore, it is to be recognized that an effective amount of the compound of Formula I and/or Formula II may represent a quantity that is sufficient to kill a certain type of insect pest. However, it is to be recognized that in some alternative embodiments, an effective amount may represent a quantity that is sufficient to drive an insect pest away from a target area and/or prevent the insect pest from reproducing, for example.

Particular compounds, tautomers or salts that may be present in an effective amount within compositions of the present disclosure include, for example, compounds of Formulas I-i through I-x and II-i through II-v.

Compositions of the present disclosure may be chosen from a number of formulation types including but not limited to, soluble concentrates, suspension concentrates, oil miscible liquids, ultra-low volume liquids, emulsifiable concentrates, dispersible concentrates, microemulsions, emulsions (both oil-in-water and water-in-oil), oil dispersions, capsule suspensions, and microencapsulated particles. Other examples include dry compositions, including but not limited to, dustable powders, soluble powders, water-soluble granules, wettable powders, water-dispersible granules, spreadable granules and seed treatments.

The compositions described herein can comprise any adjuvants, excipients, or other desirable component known in the art. Non-limiting examples of additional ingredients include surfactants, co-surfactants, permeation enhancers, dispersants, wetting agents and co-solvents.

Compositions described herein may further comprise a surfactant in some embodiments. Suitable surfactants can include those that promote dispersion of the compound of Formula I or Formula II in a liquid phase. Surfactants can be chosen for compatibility with a particular application and compound. Suitable surfactants can be chosen from cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and neutral surfactants, and illustrative examples of each category will be familiar to one having ordinary skill in the art.

In additional embodiments, the compositions described herein may further comprise an additional co-active. The co-active may be, for example, an insecticide, a fungicide, an herbicide, a nematicide, a biocontrol agent, a microorganism, or any mixture thereof. Suitable examples of these additional co-actives are provided hereinafter.

Non-limiting examples of insecticides and nematicides include carbamates, diamides, macrocyclic lactones, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, pyrethrins, spinosyns, synthetic pyrethroids, tetronic and tetramic acids. For example, a liquid seed treatment composition may comprise one or more insecticides and nematicides selected from abamectin, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, bifenthrin, carbofuran, chlorantraniliprole, clothianidin, cyantraniliprole, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, dinotefuran, emamectin, ethiprole, fenamiphos, fipronil, flubendiamide, fosthiazate, imidacloprid, ivermectin, lambda-cyhalothrin, milbemectin, tioxazafen, nitenpyram, oxamyl, permethrin, spinetoram, spinosad, spirodichlofen, spirotetramat, tefluthrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, tioxazafen, and thiodicarb.

Non-limiting examples of useful fungicides include aromatic hydrocarbons, benzimidazoles, benzothiadiazole, carboxamides, carboxylic acid amides, morpholines, phenylamides, phosphonates, quinone outside inhibitors (e.g., strobilurins), thiazolidines, thiophanates, thiophene carboxamides, and triazoles. Non-limiting examples of fungicides include acibenzolar-S-methyl, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, bixafen, boscalid, carbendazim, chlorothalonil, cyproconazole, dimethomorph, epoxiconazole, fludioxonil, fluopyram, fluxapyroxad, fluoxastrobin, flutianil, flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, fosetyl-Al, ipconazole, isopyrazam, kresoxim-methyl, mefenoxam, metalaxyl, metconazole, myclobutanil, orysastrobin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, picoxystrobin, propiconazole, prothiconazole, pyraclostrobin, sedaxane, silthiofam, tebuconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate, tolclofos-methyl, trifloxystrobin, and triticonazole.

Non-limiting examples of herbicides include ACCase inhibitors, acetanilides, AHAS inhibitors, carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, EPSPS inhibitors, glutamine synthetase inhibitors, PPO inhibitors, PS II inhibitors, and synthetic auxins. Particular examples of herbicides include acetochlor, clethodim, dicamba, flumioxazin, fomesafen, glyphosate, glufosinate, mesotrione, quizalofop, saflufenacil, sulcotrione, and 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid).

Additional co-actives may also comprise substances such as, biological control agents, microbial extracts, natural products, plant growth activators or plant defense agents. Non-limiting examples of biological control agents include bacteria, fungi, beneficial nematodes, and viruses.

In certain embodiments, the biological control agent can comprise a bacterium of the genus Actinomycetes, Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Alcaligenes, Aureobacterium, Azobacter, Bacillus, Beijerinckia, Bradyrhizobium, Brevibacillus, Burkholderia, Chromobacterium, Clostridium, Clavibacter, Comamonas, Corynebacterium, Curtobacterium, Enterobacter, Flavobacterium, Gluconobacter, Hydrogenophaga, Klebsiella, Metarhizium, Methylobacterium, Paenibacillus, Pasteuria, Photorhabdus, Phyllobacterium, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Serratia, Sphingobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, Streptomyces, Variovorax, and Xenorhabdus. In particular embodiments the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus, lichenformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Chromobacterium subtsugae, Metarhizium anisopliae, Pasteuria nishizawae, Pasteuria peneirans, Pasteuria usage, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Streptomyces lydicus.

In certain embodiments, the biological control agent can comprise a fungus of the genus Alternaria, Ampelomyces, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Beauveria, Colletotrichum, Coniothyrium, Gliocladium, Metarhizium, Muscodor, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Typhula, Ulocladium, and Verticillium. In another embodiment, the fungus is Beauveria bassiana, Coniothyrium minilans, Gliocladium virens, Muscodor albus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Penicillium bilaiae, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma polysporum, or Trichoderma virens.

In certain embodiments, the biological control agent can comprise harpin, Reynoutria sachalinensis, jasmonate, lipochitooligosaccharides, salicylic acid and/or isoflavones. In another embodiment, the biological control agent may comprise Bacillus firmus.

Compounds and compositions described herein can be administered to seeds, plants or the growth medium of plants (e.g., soil), wherein the control of insects is desired. The compounds and compositions can likewise be administered directly to insects for similar purposes. For example, in various embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods of controlling insect pests, in which the methods comprise administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising an effective amount of a compound described herein.

More specifically, in some embodiments, methods described herein may comprise administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising a compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof, or a salt thereof, where the variables in Formula I are defined as above. In some or other embodiments, methods described herein may comprise administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising a compound of Formula II or a salt thereof, where the variables in Formula II are defined as above.

The techniques by which the compositions are administered to a plant, seed, soil and/or insect are not believed to be particularly limited. Particular techniques can be chosen depending upon the target to which the compositions are to be administered. Suitable techniques can include, for example, spreading a solid formulation or spraying a liquid formulation of the compositions in the case of administration to a plant or insect. In the case of administration to a seed, the compositions may be blended with a plurality of seeds in a hopper, or a liquid formulation may be sprayed upon a plurality of seeds, for example.

In some embodiments, the compositions can be administered to a seed. In other embodiments, the compositions can be administered to a plant. In more particular embodiments, the compositions can be administered to foliage of a plant or to soil surrounding a root zone of the plant. In still other embodiments, the compositions can be administered directly to an insect. Choice of administration in a given manner can be dictated whether the insects are primarily surface insects or sub-surface insects, for example.

Non-limiting examples of plants that may be protected from insect pests in accordance with the methods described herein include monocotyledon crops such as corn, wheat, barley, rye, sugar cane, rice, sorghum, oat; dicotyledon crops such as cotton, sugar beet, peanut, potato, sweet potato, yam sunflower, soybean, alfalfa, flax, canola, grapes, tobacco; vegetables including Solanaceae vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, green pepper and pepper; Cucurbitaceae vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon, melon, and squash; Brassicaceae vegetables such as radish, turnip, horseradish, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, leaf mustard, broccoli and cauliflower; Asteraceae vegetables such as artichoke and lettuce; Liliaceae vegetables such as leek, onion, garlic, and asparagus; Apiaceae vegetables such as carrot, parsley, celery and parsnip; Chenopodiaceae vegetables such as spinach and chard; Lamiaceae vegetables such as mint and basil; flowers such as petunia, morning glory, carnation, chrysanthemum and rose; foliage plants; fruit trees such as pome fruits (e.g., apple, pear and Japanese pear), stone fruits (e.g., peach, plum, nectarine, cherry, apricot, and prune), citrus (e.g., orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit), tree nuts (e.g., chestnut, pecan, walnut, hazel, almond, pistachio, cashew, and macadamia), berries such as blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, strawberry, and raspberry; persimmon; olive; loquat; banana; coffee; palm; cocoa; the other trees such as tea, mulberry, flower trees, and landscape trees (e.g., ash, birch, dogwood, eucalyptus, ginkgo, lilac, maple, oak, poplar, Formosa sweet gum, sycamore, fir, hemlock fir, needle juniper, pine, spruce, and yew); and turf.

Non-limiting examples of insect pests that may be controlled by the methods described herein include members of the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera.

Non-limiting examples of the members of the order Coleoptera include Acalymma, Acanthoscelides, Adoretus, Agelasica, Agriotes, Alphitobius, Amphimallon, Anobium, Anoplophora, Anthononius, Anthrenus, Apion, Apogonia, Atomaria, Attagenus, Bruchidius, Bruchus, Cassida, Cerotoma, Ceutorrhynchus, Chaetocnema, Cleonus, Conoderus, Cosmopolites, Costelytra, Ctenicera, Curculio, Cryptorhynchus, Cylindrocopturus, Dermestes, Diabrotica, Dichocrocis, Diloboderus, Epilachna, Epitrix, Faustinus, Gibbium, Hellula, Heteronychus, Heteronyx, Hylamorpha, Hylotrupes, Hypera, Hypothenemus, Lachnosterna, Lema, Leptinotarsa, Leucoptera, Lissorhoptrus, Lixus, Luperodes, Lyctus, Megascelis, Melanotus, Meligethes, Melolontha, Migdolus, Monochanus, Naupactus, Niptus, Oryctes, Oryzaephilus, Oryzaphagus, Oliorrhynchus, Oxycetonia, Phaedon, Phyllophaga, Phyllotreta, Popillia, Premnotrypes, Prostephanus, Psylliodes, Ptinus, Rhizobius, Rhizopertha, Sitophilus, Sphenophorus, Stegobium, Sternechus, Symphyletes, Tanymecus, Tenebrio, Tribolium, Trogoderma, Tychius, Xylotrechus, and Zabrus.

Non-limiting examples of the members of the order Diptera include Aedes, Agromyza, Anastrepha, Anopheles, Asphondylia, Bactrocera, Bibio, Calliphora, Ceratitis, Chironomus, Chrysomyia, CHrysops, Cochliomyia, Contarinia, Cordylobia, Culex, Culicoides, Culiseta, Cuterebra, Dacus, Dasyneura, Delia, Dermatobia, Drosophila, Echinocnemus, Fannia, Gasterophilus, Glossina, Haematopota, Hydrellia, Hylemyia, Hyppobosca, Hypoderma, Liriomyza, Lucilia, Lutzomia, Mansonia, Musca, Nezara, Oestrus, Oscinella, Pegomyia, Phlebotomus, Phorbia, Phormia, Prodiplosis, Psila, Rhagoletis, Sarcophaga, Simulium, Stomoxys, Tabanus, Tannia, Tetanops, and Tipula.

Non-limiting examples of the members of the order Hemiptera (sub-order Heteroptera) include Anasa tristis, Antestiopsis spp., Boisea spp., Blissus spp., Calocoris spp., Campylomma livida, Cavelerius spp., Cimex spp., Cimex lectularius, Cimex hemipterus, Collaria spp., Creontiades dilutus, Dasynus piperis, Dichelops furcatus, Diconocoris hewetti, Dysdercus spp., Euschistus spp., Eurygaster spp., Heliopeltis spp., Horcias nobilellus, Leptocorisa spp., Leptoglossus phyllopus, Lygus spp., Macropes excavatus, Miridae, Monalonion atratum, Nezara spp., Oebalus spp., Pentomidae, Piesma quadrata, Piezodorus spp., Psalhlus spp., Pseudacysta persea, Rhodnius spp., Sahlbergella singularis, Scaptocoris castanea, Scotinophora spp., Stephanitis nashi, Tibraca spp., Triatoma spp.

Non-limiting examples of the members of the order Homoptera include Acyrthosipon spp., Acrogonia spp., Aeneolamia spp., Agonoscena spp., Aleurodes spp., Aleurolobus barodensis, Aleurothrixus spp., Amrasca spp., Anuraphis cardui, Aonidiella spp., Aphanostigma piri, Aphis spp., Arboridia apicalis, Aspidiella spp., Aspidiotus spp., Atanus spp., Aulacorthum solani, Bemisia spp., Brachycaudus helichrysii, Brachycolus spp., Brevicoryne brassicae, Calligypona marginata, Carneocephala fulgida, Ceratovacuna lanigera, Cercopidae, Ceroplastes spp., Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, Chionaspis tegalensis, Chlorita onukii, Chromaphis juglandicola, Chrysomphalus ficus, Cicadulina mbila, Coccomytilus halli, Coccus spp., Cryptomyzus ribis, Dalbulus spp., Dialeurodes spp., Diaphorina spp., Diaspis spp., Drosicha spp., Dysaphis spp., Dysmicoccus spp., Empoasca spp., Eriosoma spp., Erythroneura spp., Euscelis bilobatus, Ferrisia spp., Geococcus coffeae, Hieroglyphus spp., Homalodisca coagulata, Hyaloplerus arundinis, Icerya spp., Idiocerus spp., Idioscopus spp., Laodelphax striatellus, Lecanium spp., Lepidosaphes spp., Lipaphis erysimi, Macrosiphum spp., Mahanarva spp., Melanaphis sacchari, Metcalfiella spp., Metopolophium dirhodum, Monellia costalis, Monelliopsis pecanis, Myzus spp., Nasonovia ribisnigri, Nephotettix spp., Nilaparvata lugens, Oncometopia spp., Orthezia praelonga, Parabemisia myricae, Paratrioza spp., Parlatoria spp., Pemphigus spp., Peregrinus maidis, Phenacoccus spp., Phloeomyzus passerinii, Phorodon humuli, Phylloxera spp., Pinnaspis aspidistrae, Planococcus spp., Protopulvinaria pyriformis, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, Pseudococcus spp., Psylla spp., Pteromalus spp., Pyrilla spp., Quadraspidiotus spp., Quesada gigas, Rastrococcus spp., Rhopalosiphum spp., Saissetia spp., Scaphoides titanus, Schizaphis graminum, Selenaspidus articulatus, Sogata spp., Sogatella furcifera, Sogatodes spp., Stictocephala festina, Tenalaphara malayensis, Tinocallis caryaefoliae, Tomaspis spp., Toxoptera spp., Trialeurodes spp., Trioza spp., Typhlocyba spp., Unaspis spp., Viteus vitifolii, Zygina spp.

Non-limiting examples of the members of the order Lepidoptera include Acronicta major, Adoxophyes, Aedia leucomelas, Agrotis, Alabama, Amyelois transitclla, Anarsia, Anticarsia, Argyroploce, Barathra brassicae, Borbo cinnara, Bucculatrix thurberiella, Bupalus piniarius, Busseola, Cacoecia, Caloptilia theivora, Capua reticulana, Carpocapsa pomonella, Carposina niponensis, Chematobia brumata, Chilo, Choristoneura, Clysia ambiguella, Cnaphalocerus, Cnephasia, Conopomorpha, Conotrachelus, Copitarsia, Cydia, Dalaca noctuides, Diaphania, Diatraea saccharalis, Earias, Ecdytolopha aurantium, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Eldana saccharina, Ephestia, Epinotia, Epiphyas postvittana, Etiella, Eulia, Eupoecilia ambiguella, Euproctis, Euxoa, Feltia, Galleria mellonella, Gracillaria, Grapholitha, Hedylepta, Helicoverpa, Heliothis, Hofmannophila pseudospretella, Homoeosoma, Homona, Hyponomeuta padella, Kakivoria flavofasciata, Laphygma, Laspeyresia molesta, Leucinodes orbonalis, Leucoptera, Lithocolletis, Lithophane antennata, Lobesia, Loxagrotis albicosta, Lymantria, Lyonetia, Malacosoma neustria, Maruca testulalis, Mamestra brassicae, Mocis, Mythimna separata, Nymphula, Oiketicus, Oria, Orthaga, Ostrinia, Oulema oryzae, Panolis flammea, Parnara, Pectinophora, Perileucoptera, Phthorimaea, Phyllocnistis citrella, Phyllonorycter, Pieris, Platynota stultana, Plodia interpunctella, Plusia, Plutella xylostella, Prays, Prodenia, Protoparce, Pseudaletia, Pseudoplusia includens, Pyrausta nubilalis, Rachiplusia nu, Schoenobius, Scirpophaga, Scotia segetum, Sesamia, Sparganothis, Spodoptera, Stathmopoda, Stomopteryx subsecivella, Synanthedon, Tecia solanivora, Thermesia gemmatalis, Tinea pellionella, Tineola bisselliella, Tortrix, Trichophaga tapetzella, Trichoplusia, Tuta absoluta, and Virachola.

In more specific embodiments, illustrative insect pests that can be controlled by practicing the disclosure herein include, for example, diamondback moth, fall armyworm, soybean looper, Western corn rootworm, Western tarnished plantbug and yellow fever mosquito.

Non-limiting examples of plants that can be protected from insect pests according to the disclosure herein include crop plants. Illustrative crop plants that can be protected according to the disclosure herein include, for example, corn, cotton, soybeans, cereals, peanuts, sunflower, dry beans, peas, legume vegetables, sugarcane, alfalfa, and canola. Ornamental plants can be protected in a similar manner.

In some embodiments, the disclosure is related to a seed that has been treated with a composition as described herein comprising a compound, tautomer or salt of Formula I and/or a compound or salt of Formula II. The compound of Formula I and/or Formula II becomes associated with the resulting treated seed. The treated seed can promote distribution of the compound of Formula I and/or Formula II into the root zone surrounding the plant upon being planted. In some embodiments, the compositions can be administered to a seed using a seed treatment such as, for example, solid matrix priming, imbibition, coating, and spraying. The treated seed may be for any plant species as described herein. In some embodiments, a seed can be treated with a composition as described herein, including formulating, mixing in a seed treater tank, or combining on a seed by overcoating one or more additional active ingredients. The active ingredient(s) may be, for example, an insecticide, a fungicide, an herbicide, a nematicide, a biological control agent or a microorganism. The seed may also be a transgenic seed in some embodiments.

Embodiments disclosed herein include:

Embodiment A

A method for controlling insect pests. The methods comprise: administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising a compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof or a salt thereof

wherein R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, haloalkyl and haloalkoxy; wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy and alkynyloxy; wherein at least one of R¹-R⁵ is not hydrogen; wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and alkyl; wherein R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and optionally substituted acylphenyl; and wherein R⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl.

Embodiment B

A method for controlling insect pests. The methods comprise: administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising a compound of Formula II or a salt thereof

wherein R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted alkyl; wherein R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl and optionally substituted, fully saturated cycloalkyl; and wherein Z is C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond.

Embodiment C

An insecticidal treatment composition. The treatment compositions comprise: a compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof or a salt thereof

wherein R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, haloalkyl and haloalkoxy; wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy and alkynyloxy; wherein at least one of R¹-R⁵ is not hydrogen; wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and alkyl; wherein R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and optionally substituted acylphenyl; and wherein R⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl.

Embodiment D

A treated seed. The treated seeds comprise the compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof, or a salt thereof.

Embodiment E

An insecticidal treatment composition. The treatment compositions comprise: a compound of Formula II or a salt thereof

wherein R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted alkyl; wherein R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl and optionally substituted, fully saturated cycloalkyl; and wherein Z is C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond.

Embodiment F

A treated seed. The treated seeds comprise the compound of Formula II or a salt thereof.

Each of embodiments A-F may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination:

Element 1: wherein R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl and alkynyloxy.

Element 2: wherein an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of 2-mesityl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole, 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazole, 2-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-4-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazole, 2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole, 2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole, 4,5-diphenyl-2-(2-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl)-1H-imidazole, 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-1H-imidazole, 4,5-diphenyl-2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole, 2-(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-4,5-di-p-tolyl-1H-imidazole, (4-fluorophenyl)(4-(2-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)phenyl) methanone, a tautomer thereof and a salt thereof is administered to the plant, seed, soil or insect.

Element 3: wherein the composition is administered to a seed.

Element 4: wherein the composition is administered to a plant.

Element 5: wherein the composition is applied to foliage of the plant.

Element 6: wherein the composition is applied to soil surrounding a root zone of the plant.

Element 7: wherein the plant is a crop plant selected from the group consisting of corn, cotton, soybeans, cereals, peanuts, sunflower, dry beans, peas, legume vegetables, sugarcane, alfalfa and canola.

Element 8: wherein the insect pest is a member of an order selected from the group consisting of Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera.

Element 9: wherein the insect pest is a member of a genus selected from the group consisting Aedes, Diabrotica, Lygus, Plutella, Pseudoplusia and Spodoptera.

Element 10: wherein the insect pest is selected from the group consisting of diamondback moth, fall armyworm, soybean looper, Western corn rootworm and yellow fever mosquito.

Element 11: wherein the treatment composition further comprises a surfactant.

Element 12: wherein the treatment composition further comprises a fungicide, an insecticide, a nematicide, an herbicide, a microorganism or mixtures thereof.

Element 13: wherein R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl and tolyl, and R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, thienyl and chlorophenyl.

Element 14: wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of allyl, 2-methylcyclohexyl, ethoxy, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl, and Z is C₁-C₃ alkyl or a bond.

Element 15: wherein an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of N-allyl-3-phenyl-1-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(2-methylcyclohexyl)-1-phenyl-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-N-(2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-N-(tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, and a salt thereof is administered to the plant, seed, soil or insect.

Having described the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. The following examples are to be considered as merely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

EXAMPLES

Generally, compounds of Formula I and II may be prepared using an extension of methods known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Example 1: Synthesis of Compounds of Formula I

Compounds of Formula I may be prepared as illustrated by the exemplary synthetic route shown in Scheme 1 below. 5-Bromoimidazoles 3 with a diverse set of substitutions can be prepared via a copper-catalyzed cycloamination reaction of 1,1-dibromoalkenes 1 with corresponding amidines 2. Tri-substituted imidazoles 5 can be prepared from corresponding 5-bromo imidazoles 3 via Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling with appropriate arylboronic acids 4 under the conditions described in Scheme 1. Following deprotection, compounds of Formula I result.

Additionally, certain compounds of Formula I may also be prepared as generally set forth in Scheme 2 below. 2-aryl-4,5-dibromo imidazole 8 can be prepared via reaction of aryl aldehyde 6 with 1,2-ethanediamine followed by bromination of intermediate 7 with N-bromosuccinimide. The compounds of Formula I can be prepared from 4,5-dibromoimidazole 8 via Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling with arylboronic acid 9 as described in Scheme 2. As depicted in Scheme 2, arylboronic acid 9 is chosen such that compounds of Formula I with symmetrical substitution are formed (i.e., R₈═R₉ and R₆═R₇═H). Asymmetrical compounds of Formula I can be prepared by using differentially substituted arylboronic acids 9 (i.e., one arylboronic acid bearing the full range of R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ substitution and one arylboronic acid bearing R⁹ substitution). When employing different arylboronic acids 9, differentially substituted regioisomers resulting from statistical reaction of arylboronic acids 9 with 4,5-dibromoimidazole 8 can result, which may need to be separated further.

Example 2: Synthesis of Compounds of Formula II

Compounds of Formula II can be prepared as illustrated by the exemplary reactions in Scheme 3. Intermediate pyrazole carbaldehyde 14 can be prepared by the reaction of aryl hydrazone 12 with Vilsmeier-Haack reagent (DMF/POCl₃). Oxidation of intermediate pyrazole carbaldehyde 14 with NaOCl₂ at 0° C. in the presence of a sulfamic acid scavenger furnished the corresponding acid 15. Aryl hydrazone 12 was prepared from the corresponding acetophenone, benzophenone or acylheteroaromatic derivative 10 and hydrazine 11 in ethanol in the presence of acetic acid. Compounds of Formula II can be prepared from the corresponding acid 15 and amine 16 using standard coupling reagents such as, for example, CDI or EDCI/HOBt in the presence of base (e.g, triethylamine).

Example 3: Insect Feeding Assays

For evaluating control of insect species, the test unit consisted of a 96-well bioassay plate filled with a species-specific artificial diet. Compounds were dissolved in DMSO and added as diet overlay to the indicated concentration, and dried/maintained overnight before infestation. Once dry, the bioassay plates were infested with a single neonate larva (nymph for lygus) per well. The bioassay plates were then held for 6 days in an incubator at 27° C. and 50% relative humidity. Sample response was then visually assessed based on mortality and stunting of the insect. A “+” score was given to samples which showed any level of stunting and/or mortality higher than that of the untreated controls. A “−” score was given to samples which showed no activity. Western corn rootworm data represents a summary of three replicates. Data for all other insect species represents a summary of two replicates. Summarized results are presented in the Tables below.

TABLE 1A Insect Feeding Assay—Western Corn Root Worm (WCR) Formula WCR (0.1 mg/mL) I-i + I-ii + I-iv + I-v + Untreated control (DMSO) −

TABLE 1B Insect Feeding Assay—Diamondback Moth (DBM) Formula DBM (0.1 mg/mL) II-i + II-ii + Untreated control (DMSO) −

TABLE 1C Insect Feeding Assay—Yellow Fever Mosquito (YFM) Formula YEM (0.1 mginiL) I-i + I-ii + I-iii + I-iv + II-i + II-iii + II-iv + II-v + Untreated control (DMSO) −

Example 4: Insect Feeding Assays

For evaluating control of insect species in this example, the test unit consisted of a 96-well bioassay plate filled with species-specific artificial diet. Compounds were dissolved in DMSO and added as diet overlay to the indicated concentration and dried/maintained overnight before infestation. Once dry, the bioassay plates were infested with a single neonate larva (nymph for lygus) per well. The bioassay plates were held for 6 days in an incubator at 27° C. and 50% relative humidity. Each well was assessed for infestation and contamination. Wells that were contaminated or not infested were not included in the stunting and mortality assessment. A stunting score was reported based on the relative size of the survivors within the 8-well column with averaging across a 3 column replicate. Untreated control insects were used as a reference. Percent mortality was determined as the percentage of insects that did not survive the treatment with the compound divided by the total insect count within an 8-well column and averaged across a 3 column replicate. Under these assay conditions, “+” represents mortality or stunting significantly different compared to the untreated control and “−” represents no significant difference in mortality or stunting compared to the untreated control.

TABLE 2A Insect Feeding Assay—Diamondback Moth (DBM) Formula DBM (0.05 mg/mL) I-i + I-ii + I-iii not tested I-iv + I-v − I-vi + I-vii + I-viii + I-ix + I-x + II-i + II-ii − II-iii − II-iv − I-v not tested

TABLE 2B Insect Feeding Assay—Fall Armyworm (FAW) Formula FAW (0.05 mg/mL) I-i − I-ii + I-iii not tested I-iv − I-v − I-vi − I-vii + I-viii − I-ix + I-x + I-i − II-ii − II-iii − II-iv − II-v not tested

TABLE 2C Insect Feeding Assay—Soybean Looper (SL) Formula SL (0.05 mg/mL) I-i − I-ii + I-iii not tested I-iv − I-v − I-vi − I-vii + I-viii − I-ix + I-x + I-i − II-ii − II-iii − II-iv − II-v not tested

TABLE 2D Insect Feeding Assay—Western Corn Rootworm (WCR) Formula WCR (0.05 mg/mL) I-i not tested I-ii not tested I-iii not tested I-iv not tested I-v not tested I-vi not tested I-vii not tested I-viii + I-ix + I-x + I-i not tested II-ii not tested II-iii not tested II-iv not tested II-v not tested

TABLE 2E Insect Feeding Assay—Western Tarnished Plantbug Formula WTP (0.05 mg/mL I-i − I-ii + I-iii not tested I-iv − I-v − I-vi + I-vii − I-viii − I-ix − I-x + I-i − II-ii − II-iii − II-iv − II-v not tested

TABLE 2F Insect Feeding Assay—Yellow Fever Mosquito (YEW) Formula YFM (0.05 mg/mL) I-i − I-ii + I-iii not tested I-iv + I-v − I-vi + I-vii + I-viii + I-ix − I-x − I-i − II-ii − II-iii − II-iv − II-v not tested When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A method of controlling insect pests, the method comprising: administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising a compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof or a salt thereof

wherein R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, haloalkyl and haloalkoxy; wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy and alkynoxy; wherein at least one of R¹-R⁵ is not hydrogen; wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and alkyl; wherein R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and optionally substituted acylphenyl; and wherein R⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl and alkynyloxy.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of 2-mesityl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole, 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazole, 2-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-4-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazole, 2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole, 2-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole, 4,5-diphenyl-2-(2-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl)-1H-imidazole, 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-1H-imidazole, 4,5-diphenyl-2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole, 2-(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-4,5-di-p-tolyl-1H-imidazole, (4-fluorophenyl)(4-(2-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)phenyl)methanone, a tautomer thereof and a salt thereof is administered to the plant, seed, soil or insect.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to a seed.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the insect pest is selected from the group consisting of diamondback moth, fall armyworm, soybean looper, Western corn rootworm, Western tarnished plantbug and yellow fever mosquito.
 6. A treated seed prepared according to the method of claim 4, the treated seed comprising the compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof or a salt thereof.
 7. A treatment composition comprising a compound of Formula I, a tautomer thereof or a salt thereof

wherein R¹, R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, haloalkyl and haloalkoxy; wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, and alkynoxy; wherein at least one of R¹-R⁵ is not hydrogen; wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and alkyl; wherein R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and optionally substituted acylphenyl; and wherein R⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl.
 8. The treatment composition of claim 7, further comprising a surfactant.
 9. The treatment composition of claim 7, further comprising: a fungicide, an insecticide, a nematicide, an herbicide, a microorganism or mixtures thereof.
 10. A method of controlling insect pests, the method comprising: administering to a plant, seed, soil or insect, a composition comprising a compound of Formula II or a salt thereof

wherein R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted alkyl; wherein R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl and optionally substituted, fully saturated cycloalkyl; and wherein Z is C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl and tolyl, and R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, thienyl and chlorophenyl.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of allyl, 2-methylcyclohexyl, ethoxy, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl, and Z is C₁-C₃ alkyl or a bond.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of N-allyl-3-phenyl-1-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(2-methylcyclohexyl)-1-phenyl-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-N-(2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-N-(tetrahyrdo-2H-thiopyran-4-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, and a salt thereof is administered to the plant, seed, soil or insect.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the composition is administered to a seed.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the composition is administered to a plant.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the insect pest is selected from the group consisting of diamondback moth, fall armyworm, soybean looper, Western corn rootworm, Western tarnished plantbug and yellow fever mosquito.
 17. A treated seed prepared according to the method of claim 14, the treated seed comprising the compound of Formula II or a salt thereof.
 18. A treatment composition comprising a compound of Formula II or a salt thereof

wherein R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted alkyl; wherein R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; wherein R¹² is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, 